Chaise lounge with swivel base

ABSTRACT

A chaise lounge includes an elongated, substantially planar seat frame having a front distal end and a rear distal end. An imaginary mid-plane bisects the seat frame. The chaise lounge also includes a backrest frame. The backrest frame is attached proximate to the rear distal end of the seat frame. The backrest frame may be reclineable relative to the seat frame. A swivel base supports the seat frame such that the seat frame is capable of rotating relative to a support surface about a rotation axis. The rotation axis is substantially normal to the seat frame and the support surface, and the rotation axis intersects the seat frame rearward of the imaginary mid-plane. The chair also includes at least one support leg extending downward from the seat frame at a location forward of the imaginary mid-plane for selectively contacting the support surface.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to chairs. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to chairs of the chaise lounge type. Even more particularly, the present disclosure relates to chaise lounge seating suitable for outdoor use.

BACKGROUND

Customers continue to seek unique, functional seating for furnishing indoor and outdoor living environments at homes, businesses, and hospitality environments. For outdoor use in particular, chaise lounge seating has been popular poolside because such seats often provide the user an adjustable backrest to allow the user to select the angle of recline from an upright position to a substantially flat configuration as they enjoy leisure time.

There remains a need for seating, particular outdoor seating, with even further enhanced functionality.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present disclosure describes a chair comprising an elongated, substantially planar seat frame having a front distal end and a rear distal end. An imaginary mid-plane bisects the seat frame between the front distal end and the rear distal end. The chair also includes a backrest frame. The backrest frame is attached proximate to the rear distal end of the seat frame. The backrest frame may be reclineable relative to the seat frame. A swivel base supports the seat frame such that the seat frame is capable of rotating relative to a support surface about a rotation axis. The rotation axis is substantially normal to the seat frame and the support surface, and the rotation axis intersects the seat frame rearward of the imaginary mid-plane. The chair also includes at least one support leg extending downward from the seat frame at a location forward of the imaginary mid-plane for selectively contacting the support surface.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure includes an outdoor chaise lounge comprising an elongated, substantially planar seat frame having a front distal end and a rear distal end. An imaginary mid-plane bisects the seat frame between the front distal end and the rear distal end. The outdoor chaise lounge also includes a backrest frame. The backrest frame is attached proximate to the rear distal end of the seat frame. The backrest frame may be reclineable relative to the seat frame. A swivel base supports the seat frame such that the seat frame is capable of rotating relative to a support surface about a rotation axis. The rotation axis is substantially normal to the seat frame and the support surface, and the rotation axis intersects the seat frame rearward of the imaginary mid-plane. At least one support leg extends downward from the seat frame at a location forward of the imaginary mid-plane for selectively contacting the support surface. The front distal end of the seat frame may be fixed relative to the rear distal end of the seat frame. The backrest frame may be capable of being positioned substantially parallel with the seat frame.

These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after a reading of the following description of the preferred embodiments, when considered in conjunction with the drawings. It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DRAWING DESCRIPTIONS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a chaise lounge in an upright position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the chaise lounge of FIG. 1 in a fully reclined position.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the chaise lounge of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a detailed view of a swivel base according to the illustrated embodiment of the chaise lounge of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the chaise lounge of FIG. 1 in the upright position.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the chaise lounge of FIG. 1 in the upright position.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the chaise lounge of FIG. 1 in the upright position.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the chaise lounge of FIG. 1 in the fully reclined position.

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the chaise lounge of FIG. 1 in the fully reclined position.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the chaise lounge of FIG. 1 in the fully reclined position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are described below and illustrated in the accompanying figures, in which like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views. The embodiments described provide examples and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention. Other embodiments, and modifications and improvements of the described embodiments, will occur to those skilled in the art and all such other embodiments, modifications and improvements are within the scope of the present invention. Features from one embodiment or aspect may be combined with features from any other embodiment or aspect in any appropriate combination. For example, any individual or collective features of method aspects or embodiments may be applied to apparatus, product or component aspects or embodiments and vice versa.

Turning to FIG. 1, a left side view of a chair 20 is shown in an upright position. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the right side view of the chair 20 would be a mirror image of the illustrated left side. The chair 20 may particularly be a chaise lounge or chaise lounge, which are generally understood in the art for their distinctive elongated configuration; many of which further include the ability to recline.

The chair 20 may be constructed from materials that render the chair suitable for outdoor use. For example, the chair 20 may comprise an aluminum framework 24. The framework 24 may alternatively be constructed from other weather-resistant materials, such as synthetic resin, treated wood, composites designed to imitate wood, or other metal or coated metal materials. One or more cushions 28 may be optionally supported by the framework 24. In one embodiment, the cushions 28 are removable from the framework 24 so the cushions can be brought indoors during bad weather or for cleaning purposes.

The framework 24 may generally include a seat frame 32 and a backrest frame 36. Optional arms 40 are illustrated attached to and extending from the seat frame 32. The seat frame 32 has a front distal end 44 and a rear distal end 48. Between the front distal end 44 and the rear distal end 48, the seat frame 32 provides a substantially planar configuration that is elongated in the front-to-rear direction. For example, the seat frame 32 may have a length in the front-to-rear direction that is at least twice the width of the seat frame measured perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction. The plane P, as defined by the seat frame 32, may be bisected by an imaginary mid-plane M half way between the front distal end 44 and the rear distal end 48. In one embodiment, the front distal end 44 of the seat frame 32 is fixed relative to the rear distal end 48 of the seat frame. Further, the elongated nature of the seat frame 32 provides a configuration suitable for supporting the legs of a user without a separate footrest being pivotably attached proximate to the front distal end 44 thereof. Again, this configuration allows a user to sit at the front distal end 44 of the seat frame 32, where an adjustable footrest or an elongated seat frame that was not planar may not be capable of supporting a person on the front end of the chair.

The backrest frame 36 may be attached to the seat frame 32 proximate to the rear distal end 48 thereof. As used herein to describe the location of the backrest frame 36, “proximate” means closer to the rear distal end 48 than the front distal end 44. In one embodiment, the backrest frame 36 is able to pivot relative to the seat frame 32 about a pivot axis R that is offset from the rear distal end 48 of the seat frame. Due to the provided pivoting function, the backrest frame 36 may be considered capable of reclining relative to the seat frame 32. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the backrest frame 36 may be capable of pivoting to a fully reclined position where the backrest frame is substantially parallel with the seat frame 32.

As shown in FIG. 3, the angle of recline of the backrest frame 36 relative to the seat frame 32 may be selected using a brace 50. The brace 50 may be pivotably attached to the rear of the backrest frame 36. The brace 50 may include a plurality of notches 52 configured to selectively receive a bar 54, which may be provided as part of or attached to the seat frame 32. As is known in the art, the angle of recline of the backrest frame 36 is selected as a result of engaging the bar 54 with a desired one of the notches 52. To achieve the fully reclined position, the brace 50 may pivot to a position substantially parallel with the backrest frame 36, and the bar 54 may not be engaged with any of the notches 52.

Returning to FIG. 1, the chair 20 of the illustrated embodiment is supported, at least in part, by a swivel base 60. The swivel base 60 is attached to and is positioned below the seat frame 32. The swivel base 60 is configured to allow the framework 24, e.g., the seat frame 32, backrest frame 36, and any optional cushions 28, to rotate relative to a support surface 62 such as the floor or a pool deck. The swivel base 60 is configured to provide an axis of rotation A that is substantially normal to the plane P of the seat frame 32 and the support surface 62. The swivel base 60 is positioned relative to the support frame 32 such that the axis of rotation A intersections the plane P of the seat frame 32 at a location rearward of the imaginary mid-plane M. Providing the framework 24 with that ability to swivel about a vertical axis of rotation A allows a user to reposition the chair 20 without getting entirely out of the chair. This ability to rotate the chair 20 may be beneficial to allow the user to maintain their position, either facing toward or away from, the sun. Preferably, the swivel base 60 is configured for complete and continuous 360 degree rotation about the axis A.

Turning to FIG. 4, the swivel base 60 may include a support frame 70 configured to rest on the support surface 62 (FIG. 1). A first plate 74 is attached to the support frame 70, such as by a plurality of bolts 76. A second plate 80 is attached to the seat frame 32, such as by a plurality of bolts 76. The first plate 74 and the second plate 80 are arranged adjacent to and substantially parallel with one another. The first plate 74 and the second plate 80 are configured to rotate relative to one another about the axis of rotation A such as about the length of a pin 84, which joins the first and second plates 74, 80. The plates 74, 80 may be configured with grooves for receiving bearings between the two plates to allow for smooth motion therebetween.

The swivel base 60 may be configured to accommodate the specific challenges of supporting a chaise lounge due to the elongated nature of chairs of this type in combination with the shifting center of mass as a result of the ability for the backrest frame 36 to recline resulting in supporting the user in various states of repose. In one example, the plates 74 and 80 are selected in size and gauge to accommodate the weight of the chair 20 and an adult user. In another example, the bottom 88 of the support frame 70 may be circular, and the diameter of the bottom 88 of the support frame 70 may be larger than the width of the seat frame 32, excluding the optional arms 40. Further, the support frame 70 may be configured similar to a truncated cone, tapering upward from the widest point at the bottom 88 toward the location of the first plate 74.

Returning again to FIG. 1, at least one support leg 90 may extend downward from the seat frame 32 at a location forward of the imaginary mid-plane M. The support leg 90 is illustrated (e.g., FIG. 3) as a U-shaped but may alternatively be configured as a pair of posts or even a single leg. The support leg 90 may improve upon existing chairs with swivel bases by selectively providing an additional point of contact with the support surface 62, thereby substantially eliminating the potential for the chair 20 to tip, even if a user were to sit with the majority of their weight at the front distal end 44 of the seat frame 32. Further, the support leg 90 can be configured to reduce resistance to swiveling that may be caused by friction between the support leg 90 and the support surface 62. In one embodiment, rollers (not shown) could be placed at the edge of the at least one support leg 90 to allow ease of movement.

In another embodiment (as shown in FIG. 1), the support leg 90, including any optional pads attached to the bottom thereof, is specifically configured to terminate above the support surface 62 when a user is not in the chair 20. The support leg 90 may then be forced into contact with the support surface 62 under the weight of a user sitting adjacent to the front distal end 44 of the seat frame 32. In this embodiment, if the natural gap between the terminal end of the at least one support leg 90 and the support surface 62 is too great, the support leg 90 will not contact the support surface 62 unless the bottom 88 of the swivel base 60 loses significant contact with the support surface. In one embodiment the terminal end of the at least one support leg 90 is designed to finish from about 1/32 inch to about 4 inches from the support surface 62. In another embodiment, the terminal end of the at least one support leg is designed to finish from about ¼ inch to about 2 inches from the support surface 62.

Turning to FIGS. 5-10, additional front, rear, and top views of the chair 20 are provided in both the upright and fully reclined positions. These views further illustrate the ornamental aspects of one example of a chair 20 having the structure and function described by the present disclosure. As will be appreciated by a designer of ordinary skill, several other ornamental designs could be selected to achieve the structure and function of the chair 20 as defined by the claims.

Although the above disclosure has been presented in the context of exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications and variations may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as those skilled in the art will readily understand. Such modifications and variations are considered to be within the purview and scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 

1. A chair, comprising: an elongated, substantially planar seat frame having a front distal end and a rear distal end, wherein an imaginary mid-plane bisects the seat frame between the front distal end and the rear distal end; a backrest frame, the backrest frame being attached proximate to the rear distal end of the seat frame; a swivel base supporting the seat frame such that the seat frame is capable of rotating relative to a support surface about a rotation axis, wherein the rotation axis is substantially normal to the seat frame and the support surface, and the rotation axis intersects the seat frame rearward of the imaginary mid-plane; and at least one support leg extending downward from the seat frame at a location forward of the imaginary mid-plane for selectively contacting the support surface.
 2. The chair of claim 1, wherein the at least one support leg is configured to terminate above the support surface when a user is not sitting on the chair.
 3. The chair of claim 1, wherein the front distal end of the seat frame is fixed relative to the rear distal end of the seat frame.
 4. The chair of claim 1, wherein a footrest is not pivotably attached proximate to the front distal end of the seat frame.
 5. The chair of claim 1, wherein the backrest frame reclines relative to the seat frame about a pivot axis.
 6. The chair of claim 5, wherein the pivot axis is offset from the rear distal end of the seat frame.
 7. The chair of claim 1, wherein the backrest frame is capable of being positioned substantially parallel with the seat frame.
 8. The chair of claim 1, wherein the swivel base comprises: a support frame configured to rest on the support surface; a first plate attached to the support frame; and a second plate attached to the seat frame, wherein the first plate and the second plate are arranged adjacent to and substantially parallel with one another, and wherein the first plate and the second plate are configured to rotate relative to one another.
 9. The chair of claim 8, wherein the support frame comprises a circular bottom in contact with the support surface, wherein the diameter of the bottom is greater than a width of the seat frame.
 10. The chair of claim 1, further comprising arms attached to and extending from the seat frame.
 11. An outdoor chaise lounge, comprising: an elongated, substantially planar seat frame having a front distal end and a rear distal end, wherein an imaginary mid-plane bisects the seat frame between the front distal end and the rear distal end; a backrest frame, the backrest frame being attached proximate to the rear distal end of the seat frame; a swivel base supporting the seat frame such that the seat frame is capable of rotating relative to a support surface about a rotation axis, wherein the rotation axis is substantially normal to the seat frame and the support surface, and the rotation axis intersects the seat frame rearward of the imaginary mid-plane; and at least one support leg extending downward from the seat frame at a location forward of the imaginary mid-plane for selectively contacting the support surface, wherein the front distal end of the seat frame is fixed relative to the rear distal end of the seat frame, and wherein the backrest frame is capable of being positioned substantially parallel with the seat frame.
 12. The outdoor chaise lounge of claim 11, wherein the at least one support leg is configured to terminate above the support surface when a user is not sitting on the chair.
 13. The outdoor chaise lounge of claim 11, wherein the backrest frame reclines relative to the seat frame about a pivot axis.
 14. The outdoor chaise lounge of claim 13, wherein the pivot axis is offset from the rear distal end of the seat frame.
 15. The outdoor chaise lounge of claim 11, wherein the swivel base comprises: a support frame configured to rest on the support surface; a first plate attached to the support frame; and a second plate attached to the seat frame, wherein the first plate and the second plate are arranged adjacent to and substantially parallel with one another, and wherein the first plate and the second plate are configured to rotate relative to one another.
 16. The outdoor chaise lounge of claim 15, wherein the support frame comprises a circular bottom in contact with the support surface, wherein the diameter of the bottom is greater than a width of the seat frame.
 17. The outdoor chaise lounge of claim 11, further comprising arms attached to and extending from the seat frame.
 18. A chaise lounge, comprising: an elongated, substantially planar seat frame having a front distal end and a rear distal end, wherein an imaginary mid-plane bisects the seat frame between the front distal end and the rear distal end; a backrest frame, the backrest frame being attached proximate to the rear distal end of the seat frame; a swivel means for supporting the seat frame such that the seat frame is capable of rotating relative to a support surface about a rotation axis; and at least one support means for selectively contacting the support surface spaced apart from the swivel means.
 19. The chaise lounge of claim 18, wherein the backrest frame reclines relative to the seat frame about a pivot axis.
 20. The chaise lounge of claim 19, wherein the pivot axis is offset from the rear distal end of the seat frame. 